With economic sanctions levied against Russia by Washington and its allies over the special military operation in Ukraine, the nation is exploring the possibility of selling items to its close partner India.
This week, Russia's space agency Roscosmos revealed that it is holding talks with the respective Indian authorities about the possible supply of RD-191 rocket engines to New Delhi.
This week, Russia's space agency Roscosmos revealed that it is holding talks with the respective Indian authorities about the possible supply of RD-191 rocket engines to New Delhi.
Key Features of RD-191
Developed in Russia, the RD-191 is a single-combustion rocket engine that came into being from the RD-180, which used to be a dual-combustion chamber engine.
Part of the Angara family of rockets, it was modified for the first time under the codename RD-151 to power the South Korean KSLV-1 launcher.
Its previous variant - R-181 - has been used by American defense and aerospace firm Northrop Grumman to propel space launchers.
The RD-191 is the newest rocket in the Russian family of rockets.
The RD-181 was used in the US Antares rockets, which at present carry cargo and food material to the International Space Station (ISS) under an agreement with NASA.
What is ISRO's Take on Russian Offer?
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) chief Sreedhara Panicker Somanath has confirmed to a local publication that his group has received such a proposal.
However, the ISRO has yet to decide on the exact terms of the acquisition.